Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: gtr a14 on August 17, 2014, 12:32:29 PM
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Hey, im runing the standard yb18 battery, i often have sat nav, phone running lights and spot lights on.
Should i get an upgraded battery and if so what do i get? :-\
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Has this one not been working?
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If you're having trouble with the amount of power you are drawing, a bigger battery isn't going to help. It might mask the symptoms a bit, (if you put the bike on a charger between rides) but in the long run, you're going to have to upgrade your alternator to a ZZR alternator, or decrease how much you are drawing from the battery. LEDs can help with that. I run a set of LED driving lights where I used to use halogen lights. 54W total now where I used to have 110W. I've got an LED headlight that I like - 20W on low, 40W on high. (vs. 55/60 on standard H4) Replacing the running/brake/turn lights with LEDs can save some wattage, too, but you'll need to replace your blinker relay as well. And the dash lights can be replaced saving a few more watts.
How much wattage are your spot lights and running lights? (I wouldn't worry about the phone and GPS - those generally don't use enough to be an issue.)
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Has this one not been working?
Yeah its working but sometimes find it hard to start, so assumed the battery was struggling with the draw on it !
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If you're having trouble with the amount of power you are drawing, a bigger battery isn't going to help. It might mask the symptoms a bit, (if you put the bike on a charger between rides) but in the long run, you're going to have to upgrade your alternator to a ZZR alternator, or decrease how much you are drawing from the battery. LEDs can help with that. I run a set of LED driving lights where I used to use halogen lights. 54W total now where I used to have 110W. I've got an LED headlight that I like - 20W on low, 40W on high. (vs. 55/60 on standard H4) Replacing the running/brake/turn lights with LEDs can save some wattage, too, but you'll need to replace your blinker relay as well. And the dash lights can be replaced saving a few more watts.
How much wattage are your spot lights and running lights? (I wouldn't worry about the phone and GPS - those generally don't use enough to be an issue.)
HI, spots are about 50w, the running lights are led so only about 9w. Will replace the spots have ordered led spots from internet, i have changed dash bulbs to led so will now replace brake/turn etc too.
And if all else fails will change alternator ( got plenty of led bulbs) cheapest fix is best !! ;D
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Are you running a volt meter? Highly recommended iff'n you have electronical farkles.
Is this on a C-10 or 14?
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Are you running a volt meter? Highly recommended iff'n you have electronical farkles.
Is this on a C-10 or 14?
No not running a voltmeter, its on my c10, voltmeter sounds like a plan! :)
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I've got this one on my C10 and like it a lot.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/8115/i/kuryakyn-led-battery-gauge (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/8115/i/kuryakyn-led-battery-gauge)
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I've got this one on my C10 and like it a lot.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/8115/i/kuryakyn-led-battery-gauge (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/8115/i/kuryakyn-led-battery-gauge)
That's the same volt meter that I use. Mine has several years and over 100,000 miles on it with no issues.
The LED's are a bit bright, though. Nothing that some 90% window tint couldn't cure.